Eddie Murphy | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/eddiemurphy
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Thu, 22 Feb 2018 07:56:18 GMT2018-02-22T07:56:18Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Jerry Lewis: a knockabout clown with a dark and melancholy inner life | Peter Bradshawhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2017/aug/20/jerry-lewis-a-knockabout-clown-with-a-dark-and-melancholy-inner-life
<p>The former comedy partner of Dean Martin, and star of films such as The Nutty Professor and The King of Comedy, was a complex, brilliant figure who evolved into an audacious cinematic innovator</p><p>•<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2017/aug/20/jerry-lewis-dies-cinderfella-king-of-comedy-a-career-in-clips">Jerry Lewis: from Cinderfella to King of Comedy – a career in clips</a></p><p>For some, it is his masterpiece. For others, it is unendurably and outrageously awful, an exercise in frantically broad slapstick comedy that inspires pure disbelief, as well as derision for those reported chin-strokers and ironic postmodernists in France and elsewhere who affect to admire it. The film is The Nutty Professor, from 1963, that wacky doppelgänger farce inspired by Jekyll and Hyde, co-written and directed by its legendary star… Jerry Lewis.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/aug/20/jerry-lewis-dies-comedy-star">Jerry Lewis, king of comedy, dies at 91</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/gallery/2017/aug/20/jerry-lewis-a-life-in-pictures">Jerry Lewis: a life in pictures</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2017/aug/20/jerry-lewis-a-knockabout-clown-with-a-dark-and-melancholy-inner-life">Continue reading...</a>Jerry LewisComedyComedyCultureFilmFrank SinatraMusicMartin ScorseseThe King of ComedyBooksWill FerrellEddie MurphyMon, 21 Aug 2017 08:04:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2017/aug/20/jerry-lewis-a-knockabout-clown-with-a-dark-and-melancholy-inner-lifePhotograph: Silver Screen Collection/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Silver Screen Collection/Getty ImagesPeter Bradshaw2017-08-21T08:04:25ZStand down: when comics make unfunny big-screen comedieshttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/12/stand-down-comedians-unfunny-films
<p>Amy Schumer’s mother-daughter movie Snatched has opened to largely negative reviews – and it’s not the first time a comedian has failed to add humor to a cinematic venture</p><p>For stand-up comics, there were always two paths to stardom: become a talk-show host or a create a hit sitcom. If “movie star” is conveniently absent from that equation, it’s because the list of brilliant comics whose genius did not translate to the silver screen is long and filled with some of our greatest talents. Even those who do find success in film – like the late Robin Williams, who won an Oscar and gave a handful of indelible performances – had more than a few false starts early in his career (The Survivors, The Best of Times, Club Paradise).</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/16/snatched-trailer-amy-schumer-goldie-hawn">Snatched trailer: Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn get kidnapped</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/12/stand-down-comedians-unfunny-films">Continue reading...</a>ComedyComedyCultureFilmAmy SchumerSteve MartinEddie MurphyChris RockFri, 12 May 2017 15:22:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/12/stand-down-comedians-unfunny-filmsComposite: Alamy, Allstar & 20th Century FoxComposite: Alamy, Allstar & 20th Century FoxNoah Gittell2017-05-12T15:22:30ZDave Chappelle's return and the state of African American standup comedyhttps://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/nov/11/dave-chappelle-snl-black-standup-comedy
<p>Chappelle arrives back on the scene amid a new wave of black comedians, some of whom fit the Def Comedy Jam mold while others take after his offbeat humor</p><p>It’s hard to believe that Dave Chappelle hasn’t hosted Saturday Night Live before. It seems impossible that someone who has influenced comedy like he has would have never received a career-defining moment like that. Then again, Chappelle made himself scarce in the years <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jul/22/tvandradio.theguide">after walking away</a> from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/oct/29/chappelles-show-your-next-box-set">his massive hit series Chappelle’s Show</a>. Plus, SNL – though the launching pad for Eddie Murphy’s meteoric rise to superstardom – has rarely been amenable to the talents of black comedians. That Chappelle is choosing this as his major comeback vehicle (and bringing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/nov/10/a-tribe-called-quest-new-album-we-got-it-from-here?CMP=share_btn_tw">A Tribe Called Quest along with him</a>) is significant, especially at a time when it’s fair to wonder where black comedy is headed in the second half of the decade.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jun/25/dave-chappelle-gags-about-kramer-and-michael-jackson-raw-and-hilarious">Dave Chappelle's gags about Kramer and Michael Jackson: raw and hilarious</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/quiz/2014/jun/18/name-that-dave-chappelle-movie">Can you name these Dave Chapelle characters? –&nbsp;quiz</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/nov/11/dave-chappelle-snl-black-standup-comedy">Continue reading...</a>Dave ChappelleComedyCultureHannibal BuressEddie MurphyStageComedyChris RockKevin HartSaturday Night LiveFri, 11 Nov 2016 13:00:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/nov/11/dave-chappelle-snl-black-standup-comedyPhotograph: Larry Marano/WireImagePhotograph: Larry Marano/WireImageDave Schilling2016-11-11T13:00:20ZMr Church review – Eddie Murphy's saintly cook leaves nasty aftertastehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/02/mr-church-review-eddie-murphy-natascha-mcelhone
<p>From the director of Driving Miss Daisy, Mr Church is equally retrograde in its racial politics, starring Murphy as a noble servant to two white women<br></p><p>With its sentimental depiction of the relationship between a wealthy white woman and a nobly subservient black man, if there’s one film that hasn’t aged well, it’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR0oZ2pnhyg">Driving Miss Daisy</a> – and indeed there were plenty of people who excoriated its racial politics on its release in 1989, Public Enemy giving it a memorable shout-out on the self-explanatory <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6MlwT1lBk0">Burn Hollywood Burn</a>. Now, displaying either a brass-balled disregard for his critics or a mulish inability to understand their complaints, the movie’s Australian director Bruce Beresford has made another film in which a saintly black servant teaches the white folks how to live. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/18/hollywoods-race-problem-film-industry-actors-of-colour">How to fix Hollywood's race problem</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/02/mr-church-review-eddie-murphy-natascha-mcelhone">Continue reading...</a>FilmTribeca film festivalCultureEddie MurphyMon, 02 May 2016 08:00:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/02/mr-church-review-eddie-murphy-natascha-mcelhonePhotograph: SuppliedPhotograph: SuppliedAlex Needham2016-05-02T08:00:40ZThe black Oscar wins that got away | Peter Bradshawhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/25/the-black-oscar-wins-that-got-away
<p>The shadow of possible Academy prejudice has loomed large over this year’s awards. So which black actors were unjustly snubbed? Whose great performance went unrewarded? The Guardian’s chief film critic on the ones that got away</p><p>In 1992, conservative critic Michael Medved published a book about the movies with a title of pure provocative genius – Hollywood vs America. He took two concepts widely assumed to be synonymous and bashed their heads together. Hollywood, he said, was run by a bunch of permissive liberals whose values were at odds with mainstream American decency. (It was a sort of post-Reaganite cultural version of today’s leftie cry of Wall Street versus Main Street.) </p><p>Today, the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/11/academy-president-oscarssowhite-a-punch-to-the-stomach-but-new-rule-changes-not-ageist">#Oscarsowhite</a> movement is arguing loudly that, in racial terms at least, the Academy Awards – still America’s most revered peacock display of cultural prestige – is about as progressive as a fundraising dinner for Barry Goldwater. Last year and this year, there wasn’t one black person in any of the 20 acting categories. And no black man or woman has ever won best director.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/25/the-black-oscar-wins-that-got-away">Continue reading...</a>Oscars 2016OscarsFilmMorgan FreemanMarianne Jean-BaptisteLee DanielsJames Earl JonesDexter GordonViola DavisOprah WinfreyEddie MurphyCultureSteve McQueenSamuel L JacksonAwards and prizesPrecious12 Years A SlaveGone With The WindPulp FictionIn the Heat of the NightThu, 25 Feb 2016 14:55:48 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/25/the-black-oscar-wins-that-got-awayPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPhotograph: PR Company HandoutPeter Bradshaw2016-02-25T14:55:48ZHarrison Ford reclaims highest-grossing actor record from Samuel L Jacksonhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/08/harrison-ford-reclaims-highest-grossing-actor-record-samuel-l-jackson-star-wars-force-awakens
<p>The 73-year-old Ford nudged Jackson from the top of the all-time US box office list after appearing in the latest Star Wars adventure</p><p>Harrison Ford has become the highest-grossing actor in the US after record numbers for his latest film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/21/harrison-ford-star-wars-the-force-awakens-34m-payday">Harrison Ford tipped for $34m Star Wars: The Force Awakens payday</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/08/harrison-ford-reclaims-highest-grossing-actor-record-samuel-l-jackson-star-wars-force-awakens">Continue reading...</a>Harrison FordFilmCultureSamuel L JacksonTom HanksMorgan FreemanEddie MurphyCameron DiazStellan SkarsgårdTom CruiseRobert Downey JrStar Wars: The Force AwakensBruce WillisMichael CaineJohnny DeppIan McKellenMatt DamonLiam NeesonRobert De NiroWill SmithStar WarsScience fiction and fantasyFri, 08 Jan 2016 16:53:30 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jan/08/harrison-ford-reclaims-highest-grossing-actor-record-samuel-l-jackson-star-wars-force-awakensPhotograph: Allstar/DISNEY/LUCASFILMPhotograph: Allstar/DISNEY/LUCASFILMBenjamin Lee2016-01-08T16:53:30ZThe 10 best actor transformationshttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/nov/27/10-best-actor-transformations
<p>As Johnny Depp goes bald for Black Mass, we hail the most startling cinematic metamorphoses</p><p>From Edward Scissorhands to Jack Sparrow and the Mad Hatter, Depp has always been a chameleon. He’s being Oscar-tipped for his latest transformation: into notorious real-life mobster James “Whitey” Bulger for crime thriller <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE3e3hGF2jc" title="Black Mass trailer"><em>Black Mass</em></a>. Via a painstaking process involving bald caps, hair implants, facial prosthetics, piercing sky blue contact lenses, tooth-staining and makeup to achieve Bulger’s Irish complexion, Depp menacingly inhabits the role of the sociopathic South Boston gang leader. Bulger declined to meet Depp, who instead studied tapes and was offered advice by Bulger’s longtime lawyer, Jay Carney. However, he credits his convincing Boston accent mainly to hanging out with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/nov/27/10-best-actor-transformations">Continue reading...</a>FilmJohnny DeppRobert De NiroMatthew McConaugheyMarlon BrandoCharlize TheronTom CruiseRenée ZellwegerChristian BaleRooney MaraEddie MurphyCultureFri, 27 Nov 2015 12:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/nov/27/10-best-actor-transformationsPhotograph: Allstar/WARNER BROS.Photograph: Allstar/WARNER BROS.Michael Hogan2015-11-27T12:00:01ZEddie Murphy impersonates Bill Cosby in comedy award speechhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/19/eddie-murphy-awarded-americas-top-prize-for-comedy
<p>Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, George Lopez, Kathy Griffin and Arsenio Hall honored the comedian at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Sunday</p><p>A star-studded lineup of comedians including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, George Lopez, Kathy Griffin and Arsenio Hall honored Eddie Murphy on Sunday as an “American icon”. <br></p><p>The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presented the comedian with the Mark Twain Prize, the nation’s top prize for humor. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/19/eddie-murphy-awarded-americas-top-prize-for-comedy">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyComedyUS newsWashington DCBill CosbySaturday Night LiveMark TwainTrevor NoahCultureTelevisionUS televisionMon, 19 Oct 2015 16:44:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/19/eddie-murphy-awarded-americas-top-prize-for-comedyPhotograph: Joshua Roberts/ReutersPhotograph: Joshua Roberts/ReutersAssociated Press in Washington2015-10-19T16:44:10ZEddie Murphy impersonates Bill Cosby in comedy award speech – videohttps://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2015/oct/19/eddie-murphy-impersonates-bill-cosby-mark-twain-video
<p>Comedian Eddie Murphy impersonates Bill Cosby during his acceptance speech for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in Washington DC. Murphy asks whether Cosby, who has previously won the award, should have to give his back. Other recipients of the award include Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2015/oct/19/eddie-murphy-impersonates-bill-cosby-mark-twain-video">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyWorld newsBill CosbyWashington DCUS newsAwards and prizesCultureMon, 19 Oct 2015 16:35:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2015/oct/19/eddie-murphy-impersonates-bill-cosby-mark-twain-videoPhotograph: WETA and MT Prize Partners J.V.Photograph: WETA and MT Prize Partners J.V.Guardian Staff2015-10-19T16:35:36ZQuentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction cast wishlist is leaked onlinehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/14/pulp-fiction-film-cast-wishlist-quentin-tarantino-leaked-online
<p>Documents published on Reddit hint that John Travolta, Bruce Willis and Uma Thurman were not Quentin Tarantino’s first choices for cult movie</p><p>Michael Madsen, not John Travolta, was Quentin Tarantino’s first choice to play Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, and Eddie Murphy was considered to play Jules Winnfield, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/3kue1h/tarantinos_original_cast_wish_list_for_pulp/">according to new documents leaked via Reddit</a>.</p><p>The two hand-typed sheets of paper also suggest that Uma Thurman was not even in the original running to play gangster’s moll <a href="http://imgur.com/a/7x0BZ">Mia Wallace</a>, with Virginia Madsen, Marisa Tomei, Patricia Arquette and Phoebe Cates all named ahead of her. Meanwhile, John Cusack was Tarantino’s first choice to play Vincent’s drug dealer Lance, the role that eventually went to Eric Stoltz; and Matt Dillon, Sean Penn, Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp were all ahead of Bruce Willis for the role of boxer Butch.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/14/pulp-fiction-film-cast-wishlist-quentin-tarantino-leaked-online">Continue reading...</a>Pulp FictionFilmCultureQuentin TarantinoThe Hateful EightEddie MurphyDanny DeVitoRedditTechnologyJohn TravoltaUS newsWorld newsMon, 14 Sep 2015 16:56:49 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/14/pulp-fiction-film-cast-wishlist-quentin-tarantino-leaked-onlinePhotograph: Allstar/MIRAMAX/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarPhotograph: Allstar/MIRAMAX/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarBen Child2015-09-14T16:56:49ZFrom Norbit to Adaptation: the best and worst double roleshttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/10/norbit-adaptation-best-worst-double-roles-tom-hardy-legend-krays
<p>Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the Kray twins in Legend isn’t the first time an actor has starred alongside himself in a movie. For some it worked a treat – others should look in the mirror (or at their CGI twin) and think twice about what they’ve done</p><p>By playing both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/09/legend-review-tom-hardy-krays-reg-ron">Legend, Tom Hardy</a> has joined a select group of actors. A group of actors who thrive on high-wire showboating, with too much talent to contain within the confines of a single part. A group of actors who, at some point in their careers, wanted nothing more than to be their own co-star.</p><p>This is, however, rife with danger. When it works, it can be a thrilling demonstration of an actor’s talent. But when it doesn’t – and it quite often doesn’t – it’s an overcomplicated mishmash of thwarted hubris and unconvincing body doubles. Here are the five best, and five worst, actors who’ve taken multiple roles in the same film.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/10/norbit-adaptation-best-worst-double-roles-tom-hardy-legend-krays">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureTom HardyLegendEddie MurphyJeremy IronsElisabeth MossAlec GuinnessElvis PresleyWilliam ShatnerThu, 10 Sep 2015 14:53:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/10/norbit-adaptation-best-worst-double-roles-tom-hardy-legend-kraysPhotograph: /Allstar/Studio CanalTom Hardy as both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in Legend. Photograph: Allstar/Studio CanalPhotograph: /Allstar/Studio CanalTom Hardy as both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in Legend. Photograph: Allstar/Studio CanalStuart Heritage2015-09-10T14:53:22ZRevealed: Chris Farley's 'humble, bumbling' nice-guy Shrekhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/07/revealed-chris-farleys-humble-bumbling-nice-guy-shrek-video-audio-eddie-murphy
<p>Audio of the late comic’s abandoned recordings for the 2001 animated smash has emerged, featuring a toned-down take on the angry green ogre </p><p>No one knows how Back to the Future might have turned out had Eric Stoltz not been replaced by Michael J Fox five weeks into shooting, though the odd snatch of video has emerged in recent years and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JGNkfdFy-8">there are rumours that Fox’s predecessor can still be spotted in some scenes from the final movie</a>. That’s more than can be said for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/aug/20/1">Stuart Townsend’s canned take on Aragorn</a> in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, but at least we can now get a tiny glimpse into how Chris Farley’s Shrek might have turned out had the actor not died as a result of a drug overdose, aged 33, in late 1997.<br></p><p>A Shrek storyboard video has emerged with a soundtrack from the original recording of dialogue between Farley and Eddie Murphy for the 2001 film, which was eventually recast with Farley’s Saturday Night Live co-star <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/02/mike-myers-asked-would-shrek-vote-for-an-independent-scotland">Mike Myers</a> as the lime-green ogre. Farley’s brother Kevin has described the earlier version as “a little bit more like Chris, like a humble, bumbling innocent guy”, and it’s clear from the recording that Shrek’s curmudgeonly personality – and even the irritating enthusiasm of Eddie Murphy’s Donkey – were later additions.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/jun/29/features.imogentilden">They made a monster </a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/07/revealed-chris-farleys-humble-bumbling-nice-guy-shrek-video-audio-eddie-murphy">Continue reading...</a>AnimationFilmCultureMike MyersEddie MurphyComedyComedyUS newsWorld newsFilm adaptationsBooksFri, 07 Aug 2015 15:45:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/07/revealed-chris-farleys-humble-bumbling-nice-guy-shrek-video-audio-eddie-murphyPhotograph: Allstar/Cinetext/DREAMWORKSPhotograph: Allstar/Cinetext/DREAMWORKSBen Child2015-08-07T15:45:18ZWhy the black best friend has had its day | Maurice Mcleodhttps://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2015/jun/02/why-black-best-friend-had-its-day-david-oyelowo
<p>David Oyelowo has said he will not play BBFs – it’s time to consign these jive-talking, fist-bumping, two-dimensional donkeys of roles to history</p><p>If you are white, don’t bother sending David Oyelowo, star of Selma and Spooks, an on-screen friend request – he’s just not that into you.</p><p>“Don’t send me a script if you want me to play the best black friend. I just won’t do that,” the Golden-Globe-winning actor <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jun/01/david-oyelowo-i-wont-play-the-black-best-friend" title="">explained</a> in an interview on NPR. “Roles that basically feed into a stereotype of what it means to be black … You can feel when it’s literally an afterthought. It’s disrespectful and, for me, I’m either part of the solution or I’m part of the problem.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/11/david-oyelowo-uk-stories-heroic-black-characters-selma">David Oyelowo: UK doesn't tell stories with heroic black characters</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2015/jun/02/why-black-best-friend-had-its-day-david-oyelowo">Continue reading...</a>Race issuesDavid OyelowoEddie MurphyRichard PryorFilmMediaWorld newsTue, 02 Jun 2015 14:22:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2015/jun/02/why-black-best-friend-had-its-day-david-oyelowoPhotograph: press kit photographyPhotograph: press kit photographyMaurice Mcleod2015-06-02T14:22:59ZLife Moves Pretty Fast review – a funny, absorbing study of 80s Hollywoodhttps://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/may/17/life-moves-pretty-fast-hadley-freeman-funny-absorbing-80s
<p>Hadley Freeman casts a keen eye over the films of her youth – and their underrated treatment of feminism, teen angst and male bonding</p><p>In <em>Life Moves Pretty Fast</em>, Hadley Freeman sets her stall out early. The book’s title is a partial quote from <em>Ferris Bueller’s Day Off</em>, the cover art is of a video cassette evoking the video shop she was addicted to as a bookish New York child and her cover quote is: “I know people who have changed their entire lives because of a line of dialogue from <em>When Harry Met Sally</em>… and when I say ‘people’ I obviously mean ‘me’.”</p><p>Although Freeman acknowledges the potency of generational cultural nostalgia (in this case, for a generation that’s not technically her own), she not only likes “fun, mainstream” 80s films, she reveres them for being “sweetly specific in their references and completely universal in their humour and stories”. Freeman argues that such films were “deeply formative”: “They provided the lifelong template for my perceptions of funniness (Eddie Murphy), coolness (Bill Murray) and sexiness (Kathleen Turner). They also taught me more about life than any library or teacher ever would.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/09/dirty-dancing-ghostbusters-80s-films-hadley-freeman">Hadley Freeman: why I owe it all to 1980s movies</a> </p><p>Freeman's examination of sexism and racism within the film industry are riveting</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/may/17/life-moves-pretty-fast-hadley-freeman-funny-absorbing-80s">Continue reading...</a>FilmBooksCultureJohn HughesSteven SpielbergGeorge LucasWhen Harry Met SallyDirty DancingThis Is Spinal TapGhostbustersEddie MurphySun, 17 May 2015 11:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/may/17/life-moves-pretty-fast-hadley-freeman-funny-absorbing-80sPhotograph: Allstar/Paramount/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarPhotograph: Allstar/Paramount/Sportsphoto Ltd./AllstarBarbara Ellen2015-05-17T11:00:01ZBeverly Hills Cop 4 pulled from release schedulehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/08/beverly-hills-cop-4-pulled-from-release-schedule
<p>The future of the Eddie Murphy action comedy franchise is now in question after Paramount cancel forthcoming release</p><p>In news that will surely please haters of 80s reboots, Paramount have removed Beverly Hills Cop 4 from their forthcoming slate.</p><p>The action comedy sequel was originally set for release on 25 March 2016, but the studio has opted to pull it, with no word on whether the film will still make it into production.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/10/eddie-murphy-to-receive-mark-twain-prize-for-humour">Eddie Murphy to receive Mark Twain prize for humour</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/08/beverly-hills-cop-4-pulled-from-release-schedule">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyFilmCultureAction and adventureComedyComedyCrimeFilm industryFri, 08 May 2015 08:21:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/08/beverly-hills-cop-4-pulled-from-release-schedulePhotograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionPhotograph: Sportsphoto/Allstar/Cinetext CollectionBenjamin Lee2015-05-08T08:21:39ZEddie Murphy to receive Mark Twain prize for humourhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/10/eddie-murphy-to-receive-mark-twain-prize-for-humour
<p>The comedian is to follow in the footsteps of Will Ferrell and Richard Pryor and pick up annual honour at Kennedy Center in Washington</p><p>Eddie Murphy is to receive the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/09/us-people-eddiemurphy-prize-idUSKBN0N02FU20150409?rpc=401">2015 Mark Twain prize for American Humour</a>, the first major movie star to pick up the prestigious award in four years.</p><p>The prize, considered the US’s foremost comedy honour, was won by Will Ferrell in 2011 and Tina Fey in 2010. In the past two years it has been handed to US television stars Jay Leno and Carol Burnett, while previous recipients include Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg and Steve Martin.<br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/10/eddie-murphy-to-receive-mark-twain-prize-for-humour">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyFilmCultureFri, 10 Apr 2015 08:53:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/apr/10/eddie-murphy-to-receive-mark-twain-prize-for-humourPhotograph: Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/APPhotograph: Chris Pizzello/Chris Pizzello/Invision/APBen Child2015-04-10T08:53:41ZEddie Murphy set to join Lee Daniels' biopic of Richard Pryorhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/16/eddie-murphy-lee-daniels-biopic-richard-pryor
<p>Murphy, who once directed Richard Pryor in Harlem Nights, will play the father of standup comedian, who is to be played by Mike Epps</p><p>As foul-mouthed, irrepressible standups-turned-actors who broke into a white-dominated Hollywood, Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy have a lot in common – and now the latter is set to play the former’s father in a Lee Daniels biopic.</p><p>Entertainment Tonight <a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/161089_eddie_murphy_cast_richard_pryor_biopic/">reports</a> that Murphy is in talks for the role, and The Butler director Daniels alluded to the casting in an Instagram selfie of the pair of them.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/16/eddie-murphy-lee-daniels-biopic-richard-pryor">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyFilmComedyComedyRichard PryorStageMon, 16 Mar 2015 11:32:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/16/eddie-murphy-lee-daniels-biopic-richard-pryorPhotograph: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesPhotograph: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesBen Beaumont-Thomas2015-03-16T11:32:05ZEddie Murphy is over Saturday Night Live, and why wouldn't he be? | Danielle Beltonhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/20/eddie-murphy-over-saturday-night-live-40-reunion
<p>Returning to SNL seemed to fill Murphy with all the thrill of going to a high school reunion in a town you hate with people you no longer know</p><p>Eddie Murphy didn’t look like he wanted to be there.</p><p>That’s ultimately what it boils down to, when you really think about what happened with the legendary comedian during his <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2015/02/eddie-murphy-snl-40-weird.html">abrupt, awkward appearance</a> on SNL 40 on Sunday. Even comedian Norm McDonald revealing that Murphy <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-sketch-bill-cosby">bailed on a bit playing scandal-plagued Bill Cosby</a> at the last minute didn’t change that reality.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-40-snub-bill-cosby">Eddie Murphy's SNL snub was more than a favour to Bill Cosby</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/19/30-minutes-with-eddie-murphy-michael-jackson">Eddie Murphy: ‘Not a lot of people have footage of themselves dancing with Michael Jackson in clouds’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/20/eddie-murphy-over-saturday-night-live-40-reunion">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyComedyComedyCultureTelevisionTelevision & radioFri, 20 Feb 2015 15:33:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/20/eddie-murphy-over-saturday-night-live-40-reunionPhotograph: D Dipasupil/FilmMagicPhotograph: D Dipasupil/FilmMagicDanielle Belton2015-02-20T15:33:27ZEddie Murphy's SNL snub was more than a favour to Bill Cosbyhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-40-snub-bill-cosby
<p>A complicated history with the show he saved and his own checkered history with women no doubt played into the brash comedian’s decision</p><p>Norm Macdonald tweeted last night to <a href="http://[https://twitter.com/normmacdonald">talk about his experience</a> as part of the recent Saturday Night Live 40th anniversary show, including the bombshell that he and the other writers <a href="http://splitsider.com/2015/02/read-norm-macdonalds-fascinating-recap-of-celebrity-jeopardy-and-snl40/">had intended for Eddie Murphy</a>, on his first appearance on the show in 30 years, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-sketch-bill-cosby">to play Bill Cosby</a> as a drink-mixing bartender during their supersized Celebrity Jeopardy sketch.</p><p>The “video daily double” would have been taped six months earlier, before the latest round of sexual abuse allegations against Cosby began, and wouldn’t have directly referenced the scandal. Nonetheless, it would have, as Macdonald suggested, been huge – the sketch partly rested on the idea that the audience would have laughed so hard, there was no need to write real jokes.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-sketch-bill-cosby">Eddie Murphy refused to perform SNL sketch as Bill Cosby</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/19/30-minutes-with-eddie-murphy-michael-jackson">Eddie Murphy: ‘Not a lot of people have footage of themselves dancing with Michael Jackson in clouds’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-40-snub-bill-cosby">Continue reading...</a>ComedyCultureEddie MurphyUS televisionTelevisionTelevision & radioBill CosbyThu, 19 Feb 2015 19:58:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-40-snub-bill-cosbyPhotograph: c.HBO/Everett/REXPhotograph: c.HBO/Everett/REXElise Czajkowski2015-02-19T19:58:15ZEddie Murphy: ‘Not a lot of people have footage of themselves dancing with Michael Jackson in clouds’https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/19/30-minutes-with-eddie-murphy-michael-jackson
<p>The comedian-actor-musician on his new reggae single Oh Jah Jah, making music with Rick James and why Beverly Hills Cop 4 is taking so long<br><br></p><p><strong>Hi Eddie, thanks for waking up to talk to us <u>(1)</u>! You’re about to release </strong><a href="https://soundcloud.com/vpal-dist/oh-jah-jah-eddie-murphy-panda-bear-productions-vpal-music-2014" title=""><strong>reggae single Oh Jah Jah</strong></a><strong> and have talked in the past about how you’ve been making music for ages. Have you got a little vault of songs recorded?</strong></p><p>I wouldn’t say a vault. Prince has a&nbsp;vault of songs – I have a shelf. I have a well-stocked shelf of tracks that I’ve worked on over the past 20 years.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/19/eddie-murphy-snl-sketch-bill-cosby">Eddie Murphy refused to perform SNL sketch as Bill Cosby</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/19/30-minutes-with-eddie-murphy-michael-jackson">Continue reading...</a>Eddie MurphyMusicCultureFilmComedyComedyMichael JacksonThu, 19 Feb 2015 16:45:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/feb/19/30-minutes-with-eddie-murphy-michael-jacksonPhotograph: /Startraks Photo / Rex FeaturesEddie Murphy … not a PC kind of guy. Photograph: Startraks Photo / Rex FeaturesPhotograph: /Startraks Photo / Rex FeaturesEddie Murphy … not a PC kind of guy. Photograph: Startraks Photo / Rex FeaturesTshepo Mokoena2015-02-19T16:45:10Z